House OKs $79B Currency Print

MONROVIA, July 10, 2026—Liberia’s House of Representatives has approved the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to print $79 billion in Liberian Dollars (LD), marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing currency reform efforts.

The decision was reached on Thursday, July 8, during a regular legislative session after the House reviewed a report from its Committee on Banking, Currency, and Insurance.

This report followed a series of public hearings and extensive consultations with the Executive Branch, the Central Bank of Liberia, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, technical experts, private sector representatives, and members of the public.

According to the Committee, after a thorough review of the revised proposal, prevailing macroeconomic conditions, operational needs of the banking sector, and the public interest, it was determined that the request aims primarily to replace deteriorated and mutilated Liberian dollar banknotes, improve the quality and integrity of the national currency, enhance cash availability nationwide, and maintain the efficiency of Liberia’s payment system.

The Committee emphasized that, instead of approving the currency printing in phases, it opted for a comprehensive legislative approach. This authorizes the CBL to print the full amount while allowing the Bank to determine the sequencing and timing of production and circulation based on macroeconomic conditions, replacement needs, currency demand, and fiscal policy considerations.

The Committee added that this approach eliminates the need for repeated legislative approvals for future printing requests, provides certainty to the CBL, international currency printers, and the Executive, reduces procurement and production costs, and allows the Bank flexibility to print only the necessary quantities as needed.

The Committee further stated that the authorization reflects responsible legislative oversight while preserving the Central Bank’s independence in monetary policy implementation.

“The Legislature is approving the printing of the entire quantity requested by the Central Bank of Liberia. However, the actual production schedule, shipment, storage, infusion, and replacement of existing banknotes in circulation shall be managed by the CBL in accordance with prevailing macroeconomic conditions, replacement requirements, currency demand, and prudent monetary policy,” the Committee said.

The Committee also recommended that the CBL submit quarterly implementation reports to the Legislature, while the House Committee on Banking, Currency, and Insurance will maintain oversight throughout the process.